High Fly. Deep to left.

If you've been following these blogs, you know I've been in a good mood. Well I'm happy to report that this has not changed.

This week, I knocked 467 off my list of things to do in life:

467. Say "I'm in Washington on business."

Jobs for the Future just hosted a 500-member conference: "Double the Numbers 2007." We gathered educators, school administrators, researchers, and policymakers including North Carolina Governor Mike Easley and U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) to discuss practices that are already helping to Double the Numbers of low-income and minority students graduating from American colleges and universities. I was thrilled to co-host such a huge conference so early in my nonprofit career and talk one-on-one with people who are helping enhance the futures of countless underrepresented students, not just dreaming about it. As if I needed a stronger sign that I'm heading up the right career path, I bonded with a fellow former journalist who now helps develop stronger schools in and around Detroit. How great to meet someone further up the path enjoying every step. Everyone needs models. We will certainly keep in touch.

By the way, for you superstitious Sox fans out there, I have good news. I watched Game 1 of the ALDS in D.C. The last time I did that... yeah, we... yeah. Ok. Just wanted to point that out.

Speaking of the Boston Red Sox, I just had a wonderful night. Let me paint a picture for you: Faneuil Hall. 200 "young professionals" packed on an upstairs dance floor in front of a local 80s-90s-00s rock cover band RIGHT NEXT TO the game, shown on a wall-sized projector screen. Bottom of the 9th. My best friend of 13 years, Jimmy, says "They just walked the best clutch hitter in baseball history... to face the best hitter in baseball history." Seconds later... Manny rips a page out of a book called "Dreams Jayme Would Like to See Come True" and launches a baseball so far over the Green Monster, the Cambridge Town Council has declared it an act of war. The band goes crazy. Strangers are pouring beer all over each other. And Jimmy puts his arm around me and says: "Welcome home."

That cover charge is the best $10 I've spent in my entire life.

Tomorrow, I plan to watch the Sox and Pats simultaneously on two different big screens. Rest assured, I will adequately top off my blood-sugar level. If the bases are loaded with 2 outs AND Brady's facing a 3rd-and-long at the same time, I could very well lose consciousness.

I guess my life can't get any bett... oh yeah. I forgot. SU Homecoming next weekend. This past 3 months has been a trip.

Hugs and kisses to the Borderland (and B-Rizz, rockin the ABQ)

Rube